No matter how busy your household is, each person living in your home has to have some time off from the daily grind. Moms and Dads need more than just time off work, they also need a break, a chance to “clock out” from daily demands at home. Parents need some time alone and some time to get out away from the responsibilities of daily living. Scheduling a little time off regularly, makes it easier to cope.
Children also need time off. They can’t come home from school, do homework, eat, do chores, shower, and go to bed. They need some time to just do nothing, to relax and unwind, and to do things that they enjoy.
Unfortunately, many families are overwhelmed by hectic schedules. Add to the above items overtime, extra projects, continuing education requirements, unexpected bills, and for kids, extracurricular activities and practice sessions, paper routes or babysitting, and big tests at school, and there is very little time left for any family member to ever be “off.” And, this is the short list!
Also, consider stay at home parents. They are never off the clock. There is no such thing as quitting time when you’re taking care of your family full time. Stay home parents are expected to do everything, everyday, yearlong. It can be even more challenging for work at home parents, who not only have to take care of the home and family full time but must also complete their paid work.
When does anybody have time off any more? We must find ways to simplify our life and squeeze in some regular time off. Take a break. You deserve it! Some of that stuff can wait, and maybe you don’t have to work as hard. Maybe your family can learn to do with less if it means more time with you.
I’ve decided that I will take some time off each week. For now, I’ll be taking off a few hours each week when the Chicago Bears play, so I can watch each game. I’ll have to get back to you on when quitting time will be once football season is over.